The Slaughter Continues

Bali's Illegal Turtle Trade Operates Unabated.

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(9/2/2002)

In response to local and international criticism, Bali's provincial officials do, from time to time, take high-profile action against those who hunt turtles and turtle eggs openly on sale at Bali's major markets. A short time later, however, the well-connected turtle traders, although convicted and sentenced to jail time, are reported to be back on the streets organizing armadas of boats to hunt endangered turtles for eventual sale in Bali's markets.

In late August, the Government's resolve to deal seriously with the rapid depletion of the archipelago's turtle population was again called into question when 25 large Green Turtles arrived by boat, destine for open sale and eventual slaughter in Bali. Fortunately, the staff of a local Indonesian restaurant, Bumbu Bali, were at the market when the boat arrived and managed to purchase all the animals and bring them back to their turtle rehabilitation center for eventual re-release into the oceans.

Sadly, a few days later, another boat arrived in Bali overloaded with 400 turtles. This time limited funds and time permitted only 11 of the turtles to be rescued - the remainder fated to end up in stew pots and souvenir shop shelves.

When the buying stops, so will the killing. To stop the slaughter, however, police authorities will have to consistently and continuously enforce the law that strictly prohibits the turtle trade in Bali.

If you would like to help, please write to Bali's Governor, expressing your concern and reminding him of his Government's pledge to stop the illegal trade endangered turtles through stricter enforcement of the law.